Why Is Everyone Talking About Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

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If you’ve ever had a facial done by an esthetician, you’ve likely heard something about lymphatic drainage. It’s almost always mentioned during a facial treatment.

Through light massage in key areas, the goal is to help drain lymphatic fluid from your face, rid your skin of toxins and waste, reduce puffiness, and boost blood circulation (hello, rosy glow).

Lately, lymphatic drainage massage for the body has been getting some attention in the spa industry. It’s not a new concept. It’s long been used in the medical world to reduce post-surgical swelling, relieve water retention (edema), and alleviate symptoms for certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. But will a lymphatic drainage body massage benefit someone who doesn’t have any of those issues? Estheticians and spa experts say yes!

First, Let’s Talk About the Lymph System

In short, the lymphatic system is like the body’s sewage system. Made up of vessels, lymph nodes, and ducts, the lymphatic system transports fluid (a mix of protein, salt, water, and white blood cells) throughout the body. The lymph nodes filter out anything that doesn’t belong in the body (harmful substances and waste) and could potentially cause infection. When the lymphatic system is sluggish throughout the body, lymph fluid builds up, and we retain water, which can also worsen the appearance of cellulite. A slow lymphatic system can mean reduced immune function.

So, How Does Lymphatic Drainage Massage Work?

“We tend to get body massages for muscle tension relief, which is, of course, very beneficial if you have tight muscles, but most people aren’t thinking about the lymphatic system — and they should be,” says Karina Freedman, esthetician and owner of Karina NYC Skin Clinics in Huntington, Greenvale, and New York City. She says the lymphatic system gets stagnant as we age. “As we get older, we get aches and pains, some of which are due to improper circulation, blood, and lymph.” Lymphatic drainage massage is like pressing the reset button on your lymphatic system, revving it so it can function better. That means decreased water retention and swelling and improved immune function. Plus: “If you want to do any slimming or anti-cellulite bodywork, you need to activate the lymphatic system first,” Freedman explains. “Lymphatic drainage is the baseline; then the therapist can manipulate the fat and cellulite with more pressure and specialized techniques.” Read: Your slimming treatments won’t be effective if you don’t first stimulate lymphatic drainage.

While the treatment is becoming more mainstream lately, Freedman cautions that not every massage therapist can do it. “Proper lymphatic drainage is done slowly; you must be highly trained to do it properly.”

My lymphatic drainage massage was at Karina NYC Skin Clinic. The therapist’s movements were slow and almost rhythmic as she used her hands and tools, such as a cup, to apply gentle pressure, massaging toward the lymph glands for drainage. Afterward, I had to drink a lot of water to continue the flushing process. I felt invigorated, if not smug, as I imagined the sludge leaving my body for the rest of the day.

A 60-minute lymphatic drainage massage at Karina NYC Skin Clinic is $250; $315 for 90 minutes.